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Latin Inscription and Its Meaning
A Latin inscription carved into the Inner Wall of Constantinople reads:
"PORTARUM VALID FIRMAVIT LIMINE MUROS, PUSAEUS MAGNO NON MINOR ANTHEMIO."
This can be roughly translated...
Repairs on the Theodosian Walls
The Theodosian Walls of Constantinople were some of the strongest city walls in the medieval world. Keeping these walls in good condition was extremely...
The Kerko Porta and Its Discrepancies
The history of the Kerko Porta is a bit confusing due to a key issue. According to the historian Ducas, the Kerko Porta led...
Fraudulent Naturalization Claims
The United States diplomatic and consular officials in Turkey receive daily applications for certificates from Armenians who claim to be naturalized U.S. citizens. However,...
Rigorous Inspections for Leaving Constantinople
When passengers are leaving Constantinople, their luggage is inspected just as thoroughly as when they arrive. Customs officers often demand larger bribes from travelers...
Chaotic Arrival at the Port
When the steamer drops anchor in Constantinople, the gangplank is quickly surrounded by a loud, wild crowd of boatmen. They yell and grab at...
Said Pasha An Honest Man in a Corrupt System
Said Pasha, who served as the Grand Vizier (the highest official after the Sultan), was known for being honest. Unlike most high-ranking Turkish officials,...
The Navy Yard on the Golden Horn
A Marine Graveyard
The navy yard on the Golden Horn is like a marine graveyard. Long rows of old ships lie side by side, many...
The People’s Plea and the Sultan’s Refusal
The people from the district returned to the Sultan to ask for help again after the new bridge was destroyed. But the Sultan refused...
Growing Trade Over the Years
In 1879, Bulgaria imported goods worth 32 million francs and exported goods worth 20 million francs.By 1886, after joining with Eastern Roumelia, imports rose...
